Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Introduction

Passion. Purpose. Profession. WWU’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programs (E&I) promote multi-purpose, interdisciplinary entrepreneurship and innovation.

Any undergraduate student from any college can earn a minor or specialty certificate in entrepreneurship and combine it with the focus of their studies here at Western.

At E&I, entrepreneurship and innovation are for everyone. Whether you want to start your own business, social enterprise or lead like an entrepreneur, you can find a fit. Our students focus on business, social justice, environment, arts, education, humanities, engineering, design and many other areas at WWU and this interdisciplinary program is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully engage in changemaking through entrepreneurial and innovative behaviors in new and existing organizations.

More information found here: entrepreneurship.wwu.edu

E&I offers a minor, specialty certificates, global programs, intensive professional practicum courses and introductory courses in changemaking, entrepreneurship and innovation.

In our programs, students learn how to recognize opportunities and needs, and link them to innovative approaches while bringing resources and people together to make change happen. We explore organizational contexts with varied economic and non-economic purposes and possible ways to effect desired change. Students have the opportunity to gain increasingly deep experience in entrepreneurship and innovation related to their field of study. They will experience a combination of online modules and in-class laboratory learning opportunities with increasing levels of knowledge, experience and practice. Classes are designed to support, connect, challenge and engage participants with further opportunities and engagement experiences both on and off campus.

These programs facilitate experiential growth, community networking and personal application. We seek students, guests, coaches/mentors with diverse interests, expertise and experiences to help create a unique culture of leaders, innovators and changemakers.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor and Specialty Certificates are multi-purpose, interdisciplinary training which means entrepreneurship and innovation are for everyone so along with students previously studying business, students interested in social entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship or any kind of innovation related to their field of study are encouraged to apply.

All students who declare the minor or certificates will take the introductory course, ENTR 246 - Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundations .

Mission

To unleash lifelong, flourishing changemakers through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Vision

We envision a community of changemakers. We see a better tomorrow driven by the collaborative work of people today. We envision a dynamic culture and community where it is the norm to see and understand opportunities and challenges, be connected to a network of enthusiastic, knowledgeable and skilled people from around the world, where all grow their own well-being while having a positive impact on the world.

Faculty

ARTHUR L. SHERWOOD (2014) Program Director and Faculty Member, David Cole Professor of Entrepreneuership and Associate Professor. BBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, MS, PhD, Indiana University-Bloomington.
MEG WEBER Faculty Member. BA, Political Science and German, University of Rochester; MA, Cinema, University of Iowa; Executive MBA, University of Rochester.

Other Departmental Information

Advising and Declaration Process:

Students must have confirmed admission to Western Washington University and have met the grade requirements below. Students who wish to register for an Entrepreneurship and Innovation course should contact the E&I Director. Students interested in social entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship or any kind of entrepreneurship or innovation related to their field of study are encouraged to apply.

Programs

Minor

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor

WWU Certificate (Non-Degree)

Courses

Entrepreneurship

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.